When John Adams suggested that the newly birthed America celebrate its independence with pomp, parades and explosions, chances are good he didn't intend for a fortnight of fun.

More than two centuries after Americans began celebrating Independence Day, that's exactly what they can find. Many suburban communities opt to observe the Fourth of July on any day but, which gives residents the opportunity to celebrate for two weeks in communities across the county.

The first booms of the season kicked off Friday in Whitehall at the Caste Village Merchants Association's celebration, Meanwhile, residents in Cranberry will be kicking back July 11 for their transplanted Community Day celebration, which for the first time is not being held on July 4.

"A lot of communities don't want to compete with larger celebrations and I think, most significantly, don't have the funds to pay their city services overtime," said Stephen Vitale, president of New Castle-based Pyrotecnico, one of the country's largest fireworks display companies.

"It's a way to still celebrate but not have to pay overtime to police, fire and other city services."

Vitale said he estimates that at least 40 percent of the company's productions in the coming week -- including Friday's in Whitehall -- will be shot off on days other than July 4. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, the other fireworks giant in New Castle, sees about 30 percent of its July 4 celebrations on a different day, said Sandy McStay, assistant to the president.

Moving the celebration, as Cranberry officials did this year, is a cash saver for the community, as the average display between July 2 and 5 costs about $15,000, compared to $6,000 a week earlier or later, Vitale said. In Ross, fireworks were scheduled for Sunday but then had to be postponed because of the stormy weather. The event is run primarily by volunteers, which cuts down on costs, as well, said Pete Geis, the township's director of parks and recreation.

Broadening the celebratory period offers fireworks enthusiasts' additional shows, said Ralph Piacquadio, a show producer for Pyrotecnico and owner of Armstrong's Restaurant in Caste Village.

"Around here, people sure do love their fireworks," Piacquadio said. "I don't think people are satisfied to see just one, especially when there are other shows in the area they can just jump in the car and go see."

That's why Hampton is preparing for a significantly higher turnout for its fireworks displays, township manager Chris Lochner said. Ross officials expect many of their residents to flock to the Hampton celebration or others around the North Hills.

Hampton's two-day celebration includes a low-level fireworks display on July 3, followed by the traditional fireworks display on July 4, both at 10 p.m. at the Hampton Township Park.

Lochner said township officials are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the July 4 display, more than the annual average of 12,000 to 15,000, depending on the weather. He said township officials are preparing traffic plans to get spectators in and out of the park and are advising that they arrive up to two hours early.

Although some communities have eliminated fireworks displays because of the cost, no one has questioned continuing Hampton's, Lochner said.

"Our residents have told us they think it should continue. It's an item in our community that our residents have no problem using tax dollars for," Lochner said.

Not all communities pick up the tab for their fireworks. Crafton's weeklong Independence Day celebration is run by volunteers and funded by nonprofit groups, said Mary Tremblay, a volunteer for Crafton Celebrates.

In Whitehall, the local merchants association shoulders the bill for the fireworks.

Piacquadio has been organizing the Whitehall show for more than 10 years and said business picks up throughout the day as residents from nearby municipalities come out to tailgate hours before dusk.

Nick Andes, who lives nearby, said the Whitehall celebration with friends and family will be just the first part of his holiday festivities.

A recent University of Pittsburgh graduate, Andes will continue his tradition of celebrating twice, though he's not sure how to beat the last two years' fireworks, when he watched Pittsburgh's show atop a North Side roof and near the Duquesne Incline. But he knows the Caste Village show will continue to amaze him.

"Having them the Friday before always gave the whole family a chance to get together and watch fireworks, then have our plans on the Fourth too," said Andes, 22, of Whitehall. "It's usually great, and then you go down to Pittsburgh for theirs a few days later. You're pretty hard pressed to beat it."

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review staff writer Brian C. Rittmeyer contributed to this report.